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Tag Archives: Daphne Brogdon

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Here is the latest from my new boffo web series with Cafe Mom Studios. Pelase watch and subscribe to the cafe mom studios. I’d love to do more of funny vids with production value! Rex is in fine form in this one.

Still trying to get my mojo back after a whirlwind work trip to NYC. And then someone said, it’s Christmas this week. Say what?? While I get my blogger fingers and my vlogger sass back, here is an interview I did for a web show called The Web Files. It’s longer than a cool mom vid by about 5 minutes. Just a warning, there are a couple of pop ads that flash across my face you might need to click off.

Oh and cover your ears, I’m about to yell “I”M NUMBER 33, I’M NUMBER 33!” Babble ranked the top mom bloggers and this vlogger made the list. My name was misplaced, but that’s okay. It ‘s the thought that counts.

When I had Vivien, I didn’t have a gig. I was okay with it, because I had long thought I wanted that first year with my baby. But when she was only 9 days old, I got a call to come in to do a comedy bit for CMT (the Country Music Channel), for a Christmas show. I was to be Mrs. Claus and improvise jokes based on silly videos I watched.

I walked into that studio with a smile on my face, thanking everyone I met. “Hi, Julie? You do makeup? God bless you! Fred, you do lighting? Oh blast me!” I might have kissed the guy who brought the bagels and fruit. And I almost cried when I realized I was going to get a paycheck for the day, as well. When you haven’t earned your own money in a while after having supported yourself for years, it gets to you.

Even though I was dressed as Mrs. Claus, I was so happy to be out of the house for a few hours, to see that I could still make jokes and go through hair and makeup – even if I was in a white wig and a big red dress.

Well, here is a little peek at the behind-the-scenes of my present job, as host of the “The Fashion Team” on the TV Guide channel. I’m lucky to have a job and even luckier that they apply makeup when I get there.

When Viv was younger (under 3) she was happy to be a model on my TV Guide show, The Fashion Team – or at least, she tolerated it. Now, not so much. It’s nice when she does the Halloween show, like she did last week, because the producers get her a costume and lazy mom (me) doesn’t have more work to do for the big day. But this year, Viv had really had it – and showed it on camera.

50% of you feel it’s more of a topic in the news that freaks you out. While 28% feel it is something people close to you are hit by, but you are okay. Only 22% are screaming Jiminy Cricket! Pack up the car and let’s ride with the Joad’s (ie. Grapes of wrath). I am directly affected.

Twenty-two percent of you want to be Ellen’s sidekick because she is funny and hopefully will dance when you are with her. Fifteen percent of you chose Rachael Ray – I guess you can eat a lot of sammies. Nine percent went to the women of The View, convinced you will get a word in edgewise. Six percent are Oprah fans, the biggest of the big, convinced there IS room for someone else. Finally, 4% of you chose Dr. Phil, feeling confident he will let you give your opinion.

Photo: Warner Bros./Sheryl Neilds

Where I Stand

As for me, it’s one thing to know who your best friend is, another to know who your TV best friend is, or who you would want to co-host with. The big winner in our poll was Ellen. My guess is because she seems fun and has good, self-depreciating humor.

Since Ellen is a stand-up comedian, though, I think there is only room for one cook in that kitchen. Being a stand-up and knowing some far more established than myself, I know that stand-ups are not the world’s most generous performers. My pick would be “The View.” I love that they talk about topical issues at the top of the show, and when I’ve had gigs in NYC I’ve been pretty happy.

Photo: ABC/Steve Fenn

I have a little history at The View – of not being on it. Years ago, in the ’90s, I was doing a couple of shows for CNET in San Francisco which were on USA and Sci Fi Channel. One of the higher ups at Sci Fi told me The View had asked for tape on me and then said they liked me, but they needed a minority. Enter Lisa Ling. Then, a few years back when I was single in Santa Monica, I heard they were looking again. I called my agent. He said they only want to see people who are married, with or without kids, or at least engaged. I couldn’t have been less committed. I told the story to Dr. Dean, who practically shouted, “Why didn’t you call me? My son Adam is divorced with three kids, you could get married for show; it’s worth it for that gig.” Gee, should have thought of that. But, I probably would have been too liberal, ’cause they hired Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

Now, should The View come calling… I’m sure they will. It would be a bit more complicated with my West Coast entanglements. So, maybe Cool Mom will by my online “The View.” I don’t have the same luminaries dropping by, but at least I don’t have to share the couch.